Throughout its 150-year history North Central College has demonstrated its commitment to the principles of equality and nonviolence.

During January, North Central College celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of events and activities. As part of a yearlong celebration of its Sesquicentennial, the College’s 2012 observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Week is particularly significant.

Guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, founder and music director of Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, joins Chen in leading the Sinfonietta in the performance, “The Journey, The Dream”—a selection of works that celebrate King’s pioneering fight for civil rights and his enduring legacy.

“I’ve always had an interest in forming policy and international relations but didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career. There is no better place than North Central to find those answers,” says Christopher. “The quality of the political science program is so high and the professors so compelling that it drew me out of my shell.”

For Christopher, the best part of his discovery was working with professors on their research. “They really know their way around the field, and I connected to the field in a way that most undergraduates don’t have opportunities to do.”

Getting to know professors on a personal level, Christopher says, is helpful if you’re pursuing graduate work. “When writing references for me, they could write specifically about my strengths, making me a stronger candidate.”

Those relationships and Christopher’s strong research and academic credentials led to his acceptance to The University of Chicago’s master’s program in international relations. “It says a lot about North Central to get accepted in this prestigious program,” he says.

North Central College holds workshop featuring guest speakers and panel of veteran students to learn best practices to support its veterans on campus.

North Central College held a Veteran Students Workshop for faculty and staff on Dec. 2 to learn about the experiences of students with a military background and how the campus community can best support their adjustment back to academic and civilian life. The workshop featured guest speakers and a panel of North Central faculty and students who are veterans.

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt, an authority on how war impacts civilians, will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

The Blue Key Honor Society recognizes college students at senior institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Nearly 120 students are expected to participate in the three-day national conference Jan. 13-15.

Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker Jan. 19 during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

Dec. 5, 2011—Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

The talk show host, political commentator and entrepreneur will deliver his presentation, “America I AM,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 7 for $10; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

North Central College offers a record 17 Verandah experiences during D-Term, including four for first-year students only. Register on Merlin; space is limited.

During 2011 D-Term, North Central College is offering a record number of Verandah course offerings for students. These experiential learning opportunities connect faculty and students in informal environments outside the classroom around topics of interest.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, associate professor of political science, is cited in a Daily Herald article about the Tea Party and Occupy movements.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, North Central College associate professor of political science, is cited in a Sunday, Nov. 6 Daily Herald article about how the Tea Party and Occupy movements are spurring citizen involvement in America's political process.

Caliendo told the newspaper his North Central students are watching both the Tea Party and the Occupy movements with great interest.

North Central College alumnus Charlie Bartsch ’73 is senior program advisor for economic development at EPA, spends day talking with campus community.

Charlie Bartsch—a North Central College Class of 1973 alumnus and political science major—returned to campus Oct. 21 to give a lunchtime lecture to the campus community, speak to students in two classes, meet with sustainability team members and students in the Green Scene club.

North Central College’s Mock Trial team took fourth place (of 14 teams) at Quincy University Riverside Classic Oct. 22; three students win top awards.

North Central College’s Mock Trial Team earned fourth place (among 14 competing teams) at the eighth annual Quincy University Riverside Classic, which was held at the Adams County Courthouse in Quincy, Ill., Oct. 22.

Niyah Banks ’15 earned an Outstanding Witness Award and Jennifer Rieger ’13 earned an Outstanding Attorney Award. Both students are political science majors. Alexis Ledbetter ’12, majoring in theatre and psychology, earned awards for both Outstanding Witness and Outstanding Attorney.